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02-13-2018, 02:38 PM | |
Bazinga
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Chiefs announce that Derrick Johnson will be allowed to test free agency in March
Per Terez Paylor
The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Tuesday that linebacker Derrick Johnson will become a free agent when his contract with the club expires at the start of the new league year on March 14. The announcement ends Johnson’s 13-year run with the Chiefs. “Few players in recent history have meant more to the Chiefs franchise and the Kansas City community than Derrick Johnson,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “His tireless work ethic and passion for the game made him one of the most productive defensive players to ever wear a Chiefs uniform and one of the most respected players both in our locker room and around the league. Over the last 13 seasons, Derrick represented himself and the Chiefs organization with integrity and class, and he will always be a part of our Chiefs family.” Johnson is the franchise’s all-time leading tackler, compiling 1,262 career stops (993 solo) in his 13 seasons with the Chiefs (2005-17). He earned four Pro Bowl berths in his time with the club. “I’ve been blessed to be a part of the Kansas City Chiefs organization my entire career,” Johnson said. “I’d like to thank the Hunt family, my coaches, teammates and the staff for the tremendous amount of support I received over the years. I love Kansas City and this fan base, they’ve always had my back. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to spend 13 years in a place I love. I plan on playing for several more years because I love this game so much, but I look forward to retiring as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs when my career is over. I’ll miss my Chiefs teammates – we made a lot of big plays together over the years – and I wish them the best in bringing a championship home to the best and loudest fans in the NFL.” General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid weighed in on Johnson’s tenure in Kansas City. “Letting go of a player like Derrick is particularly tough because of how much respect I have for him as a player and as a person,” Veach said. “He’s had a tremendous career here in Kansas City, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.” “I’m grateful I had the opportunity to coach a player like Derrick,” Reid said. “He’s a passionate football player and a natural leader. I value the amount of quality work he put in every day for us, including teaching our younger players what it means to be a pro. I think he will make an incredible coach when he is done playing the game, if he chooses.” Johnson played in 182 games (169 starts) with the club tallying 27.5 sacks, 40 quarterback pressures, 14 interceptions – returning four of those INTs for touchdowns – 23 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. Johnson had a career-high 179 tackles in 2011 that led to his first of four Pro Bowl appearances. In addition to his four Pro Bowl berths, Johnson was named the club’s Mack Lee Hill Award winner following his rookie season, an award given to the team’s top rookie or first year player. Additionally, after his career year in 2011, Johnson was awarded with the Derrick Thomas Award, given to the team’s MVP. The former Texas Longhorn originally entered the NFL as the Chiefs first-round pick (15th overall) in 2005. http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2...b-487e57ffa691 Last edited by Stinger; 02-13-2018 at 02:47 PM.. |
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02-13-2018, 05:35 PM | #76 |
You don't faze me, Gobble.
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This is bittersweet news. I know it needs to be done, and I know it's the right move. But at the same time, I will miss him. One of my favorite Chiefs of all time. Thanks for the memories, DJ.
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02-13-2018, 05:44 PM | #77 |
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Remember when DJ returned two interceptions for touchdowns in one game
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02-13-2018, 05:49 PM | #78 |
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“When I restructured my deal, I voided my last year out,” Johnson said. “In order for me to come back with the Chiefs, we’d have to work on a deal or do something for a one-year type of deal.
“But the Chiefs, they wanted to go younger across the board — that’s what (general manager Brett) Veach was talking about. I wasn’t in their plans, and I understood that. They’ve got some cap issues, and even though I would have bended some to be a Chief, there really was no negotiation. I just wasn’t in the plans. And that happens; it is what it is.” “I thought there’d be a chance we could negotiate something,” Johnson said. “But it is what it is. I appreciate Veach being straight up with me by saying, ‘Hey, this is where we’re going. I don’t want to lead you on. We appreciate and respect everything you’ve got going on, but right now, D.J., you’re not in our plans going forward.’” “Letting go of a player like Derrick is particularly tough because of how much respect I have for him as a player and as a person,” Veach said. “He’s had a tremendous career here in Kansas City, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.” Johnson told The Star that he expects to continue his playing career elsewhere this fall in pursuit of a Super Bowl ring. “I at least want to play a couple more years,” he said. “I at least want get to 15 years in the league. Right now, I’m just chasing a ring, man. I am. “It’s going to be a tough deal to leave Kansas City,” he said. “We knew it was coming at some point. But they say it usually comes sooner than later, and it’s here.” Johnson made it clear that he’ll always consider the Chiefs his No. 1 team. When asked if he’s leaving with any hard feelings against the organization or Reid, Johnson said no. “Not at all, man, not at all,” Johnson said. “I’ve had five head coaches, and he’s the best. I’ve won a lot with Andy Reid and I have a lot of respect for him. I think the world of Kansas City, so there’s no bridges burned. It’s a good, long relationship and everyone knew it would end at some point. “I’m a Chief at heart. My kids are Chiefs fans, and I’m sure whatever team I’m on (next), my kids are gonna have two teams, I’ll tell you that.”
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02-13-2018, 05:58 PM | #79 |
Please squeeze
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One of the best and classiest players in Chiefs history. I wish him well wherever he goes but the team needs to get a lot younger and faster.
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02-13-2018, 06:15 PM | #80 |
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I guess the question is not necessarily can he make a roster, but how much (or how little) is he willing to play for. He's probably not going to get much more if any than the veteran minimum.
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02-13-2018, 06:16 PM | #81 |
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Sorry your career was wasted, DJ.
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02-13-2018, 06:22 PM | #82 |
Spiraling down the Drain
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Remember when DJ was the team leader on multiple home playoff wins?
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02-13-2018, 06:22 PM | #83 |
In Search of a Life
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That pick should have been Aaron Rodgers....
Oh well, thanks for everything DJ. You were a great Chief.
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02-13-2018, 06:26 PM | #84 |
pie is never free
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02-13-2018, 06:28 PM | #85 |
You Sweetie!
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VARSITY
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See ya DJ. Thanks.
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02-13-2018, 06:31 PM | #86 |
Sprinkle in some Mahomes
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Should have told him and Hali at the same time.
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02-13-2018, 06:35 PM | #87 |
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Considering the shit show that was Kansas City until Andy Reid, we would have a bunch of people on here talking about Aaron was ruined by multiple coaches, bad surrounding cast and numerous play calling schemes. And they would have wanted to have drafted Geno Smith to take over for Rogers.
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02-13-2018, 06:37 PM | #88 |
Cheat Death
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Could be our offensive coordinator in a few years.
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02-13-2018, 06:38 PM | #89 |
Going home eventually
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DJ is a true pro and a great player. The Hunts wasted another great players career by not drafting a QB until its to late. I hope our good players now are not in the same boat. Mahomes looks good so I don't think they are.
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02-13-2018, 06:58 PM | #90 |
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What a class act. I appreciate that he brought the wood in the playoff game - the man played his heart out. Sadly his ability is diminishing, but he has been a good soldier through some tough times. I am glad that Reid was able to bring more “wins” for DJ to reflect on as a Chief, but sadly he never got to taste ultimate playoff success.
I will be cheering for DJ wherever he ends up (except Denver, Pittsburgh or Oakland!) Thanks 56. |
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